RMAF Ground Defence Force

The Royal Malaysian Air Force Ground Defence Force (Abbr. RMAF GDF, Malay: Pasukan Pertahanan Darat TUDM), previously known as the Royal Malaysian Air Force Ground and Air Defence Force (Malay: Pasukan Pertahanan Darat dan Udara), is an infantry unit of the Royal Malaysian Air Force. This unit is better known by its abbreviation from its Malay name, HANDAU. It is one of three ground combat units within the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and has been part of the RMAF Regiment since the regiment's inception. In addition to their role as light infantry, their responsibilities include providing security forces and serving as air assault infantry.^[1][2]

RMAF Ground Defence Force
Pasukan Pertahanan Darat TUDM
Founded	1 April 1980; 45 years ago (1980-04-01)
Country	Malaysia
Branch	Royal Malaysian Air Force
Type	Air force infantry
Role	Light infantry Security forces Air assault
Size	10 squadrons and 4 flights
Part of	RMAF Regiment
Headquarters	RMAF Jugra Air Base
Nickname(s)	"RMAF HANDAU", "HANDAU"
Anniversaries	1 April
Engagements	Communist insurgency in Malaysia (1968–1989)

History

Created as Security Forces

Initially, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) relied on the Malaysian Army's Malaysian Military Police Corps, now known as the Royal Military Police Corps, for security at its air bases. However, in 1974, a mortar attack by Malayan Communist Party members on the RMAF Kuala Lumpur Air Base caused some damage. In 1979, another mortar attack at the same base caused more serious damage, destroying an RMAF DHC-4 Caribou transport aircraft.^[2]

The 1974 incident prompted the Air Force Command to revise its standard operating procedures for air base security. By the end of 1976, a team led by Group Captain Abdul Kadir Abu Bakar, Squadron Leader Lai Kiat Meng, and Flight Lieutenant Mior Rosli proposed establishing a dedicated security unit under the RMAF, modelled after the Royal Air Force's RAF Regiment. The proposal was approved, and an experimental unit was formed under Flight Lieutenant Mior Rosli's leadership. Corporal Mahazir became the first RMAF airman to receive commando training at the Special Warfare Training Centre in Malacca, followed by more airmen undergoing similar training. A year after the 1979 mortar attack, a squadron from this unit was ready for duty.^[2]

On 1 April 1980, the unit was officially established as the Royal Malaysian Air Force Ground and Air Defence Force (Malay: Pasukan Pertahanan Darat dan Udara), taking over security responsibilities from the Malaysian Military Police Corps at the RMAF Kuala Lumpur Air Base. The unit became popularly known by its Malay abbreviation, HANDAU, and it was placed under the RMAF Security Regiment, which is now known as the RMAF Regiment.^{[note 1][2]}

Restructured as Military Police

Members of the RMAF Provost participated in Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training alongside the U.S. Air Force during the 2012 Cope Taufan exercise.

In 1983, HANDAU underwent a restructuring. HANDAU incorporated additional military police roles after completely taking over the responsibilities from the Malaysian Military Police Corps. In addition to security forces and military police roles, a detachment of Malaysian Army commandos was attached to HANDAU, forming two special operations sections specialising in search and rescue and air assault roles. These sections were known as the Combat Air Rescue Team and the Rapid Deployment Force.^[2]

Around 1993, HANDAU's official name was changed to RMAF Provost to reflect the shift in its primary responsibilities from security forces to military police while still retaining its security forces capabilities. In 1995, Air Force Command transferred the role of air defence from the RMAF Provost to the RMAF Ground Base Air Defence. The RMAF Ground Base Air Defence, an artillery formation responsible for air defence, operates under the command of the air bases where they are stationed.^[2]

Separated from RMAF Regiment

RMAF Provost airmen wearing their red berets marched alongside RMAF Special Forces commandos during the 2017 Merdeka Day Parade.

On 17 March 1999, the Air Force Command separated the RMAF Provost Squadrons from the RMAF Regiment, leaving only the special forces elements under the RMAF Regiment. Concurrently, the RMAF Regiment relocated to a new garrison at RMAF Jugra Air Base in Banting, Selangor. The RMAF Provost Squadrons were placed under a newly established department, the RMAF Provost Marshal Department, which was responsible for overseeing all military police activities within the RMAF. The headquarters of the RMAF Provost Marshal Department were located at RMAF Kuala Lumpur Air Base.^[2]

In 2018, the headquarters of the RMAF Provost Marshal Department were relocated to RMAF Sendayan Air Base following the official closure of RMAF Kuala Lumpur Air Base.^[3]

Reactivated as Air Force Infantry

Under the Capability Development 55 (CAP55) plan, on 1 June 2020, the Air Force Command reactivated the HANDAU squadrons, now called the RMAF Ground Defence Force. This change was made because the air defence role had been assigned to the RMAF Ground Base Air Defence squadrons. Members of the newly reactivated unit were transferred from the RMAF Provost, which still exists but is now limited to military police and close protection roles. The RMAF Ground Defence Force was placed back under the RMAF Regiment and continued to be abbreviated by its historic name, RMAF HANDAU.^[4]

The RMAF HANDAU squadrons now have roles as light infantry, security forces, and air assault units for the RMAF. They are trained to participate in airfield seizures, defend air bases and other RMAF facilities, and provide fly-away security.^{[note 2]} Besides that, there is a small section from the RMAF HANDAU squadrons at each base tasked with close-quarters combat roles.^[5]

Roles

As an Infantry Unit

The RMAF Ground Defence Force serves as an infantry unit for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). Trained in urban warfare, their tasks include assisting special forces during capturing and defending airfields. They act as a rapid reaction force, capable of being deployed quickly from aircraft to execute their missions. The RMAF Ground Defence Force is also trained in man-hunting techniques, allowing them to operate outside their garrison, track enemies, and engage with them. As a combat unit stationed at air bases, they play a crucial role in force down tactics. For example, if a plane is hijacked and forced to land by the air force, the RMAF Ground Defence Force secures the landing site and sets up a perimeter around the aircraft before special forces conduct a raid.^[6]

As Security Forces

What differentiates the RMAF Ground Defence Force from army infantry units is its security forces capabilities. The RMAF Ground Defence Force is trained as an air force ground defence unit, responsible for planning and executing defence strategies at RMAF facilities. They have taken over some roles from the Force Protection Squadron of the RMAF Special Forces. The RMAF Ground Defence Force is tasked with protecting air bases and radar facilities, while the Force Protection Squadron focuses on defending higher-sensitivity sites such as hangars and fire support bases.^[7]

As a fly-away security Unit

The elite unit of the RMAF Ground Defence Force, known as the RMAF HANDAU Rapid Intervention Team, is tasked with fly-away security. This team serves as aircrew for RMAF transport aircraft, and when the plane lands in a conflict zone, they set up a perimeter around the aircraft to defend it. While similar to air assault operations, fly-away security typically utilises aeroplanes instead of helicopters.^[7]

Structure

During communist insurgency in Malaysia (1968–1989)

RMAF Regiment

• • 102nd HANDAU Squadron, based at RMAF Kuala Lumpur Air Base
  • 103rd HANDAU Squadron, based at RMAF Kuantan Air Base
  • 104th HANDAU Squadron, based at RMAF Butterworth Air Base
  • 105th HANDAU Squadron, based at RMAF Kuching Air Base
  • 106th HANDAU Squadron, based at RMAF Labuan Air Base
  • 107th HANDAU Squadron, based at RMAF Alor Setar Air Base
  • 109th HANDAU Squadron, based at RMAF Aircraft Overhaul Depot (DEBKAT) in Subang
  • 201st HANDAU Squadron, based at RMAF Jugra Air Base
  • 202nd HANDAU Squadron, based at RMAF Ipoh Air Base
  • 204th HANDAU Squadron, based at RMAF Kluang Air Base (Now known as Kluang Army Air Base)
  • 208th HANDAU Squadron, based at RMAF Subang Air Base
  • Combat Air Rescue Team (combat search and rescue), based at RMAF Kuala Lumpur Air Base
  • Rapid Deployment Force (special operations), based at RMAF Kuala Lumpur Air Base

Current structure

Squadrons and flights

Name (English)	Name (Bahasa Melayu)	Garrison
211st HANDAU Squadron	Skuadron 211 HANDAU	RMAF Subang Air Base
212nd HANDAU Squadron	Skuadron 212 HANDAU	RMAF Gong Kedak Air Base
213rd HANDAU Squadron	Skuadron 213 HANDAU	RMAF Kuantan Air Base
214th HANDAU Squadron	Skuadron 214 HANDAU	RMAF Butterworth Air Base
215th HANDAU Squadron	Skuadron 215 HANDAU	RMAF Kuching Air Base
216th HANDAU Squadron	Skuadron 216 HANDAU	RMAF Labuan Air Base
217th HANDAU Squadron	Skuadron 217 HANDAU	RMAF Jugra Air Base
221st HANDAU Squadron	Skuadron 221 HANDAU	RMAF Sendayan Air Base
222nd HANDAU Squadron	Skuadron 222 HANDAU	RMAF Alor Setar Air Base
223rd HANDAU Squadron	Skuadron 223 HANDAU	RMAF Ipoh Air Base
231st HANDAU Flight	Flait 231 HANDAU	RMAF Bukit Lunchu Air Force Base
232nd HANDAU Flight	Flait 232 HANDAU	RMAF Kota Samarahan Air Force Base
233rd HANDAU Flight	Flait 233 HANDAU	RMAF Bukit Ibam Air Force Base
234th HANDAU Flight	Flait 234 HANDAU	RMAF Kinrara Air Force Base

RMAF HANDAU Rapid Intervention Team

In addition to the above squadrons and flights, each RMAF Ground Defence Force squadron includes small sections specialised in close-quarters combat. These sections, known as the RMAF HANDAU Rapid Intervention Team (Malay: Tim Atur Cepat–TAC), function as SWAT teams for the air bases where they are stationed.^[8][7]

Uniforms and insignia

'HANDAU' Shoulder Flash

The RAF Regiment's mudguard.

Members of the RMAF Ground and Air Defence Force have worn the 'HANDAU' shoulder flash on their combat uniforms since the unit's establishment in 1980. The tab, which is an abbreviation of the Malay name for the RMAF Ground and Air Defence Force, was inspired by the RAF Regiment's "Mudguards" shoulder flash.^[9]

Even after the HANDAU squadrons were restructured into military police, the special forces element of the unit continued to use the 'HANDAU' shoulder flash until 2002, when they adopted the 'PASKAU' shoulder flash following a name change.^[9]

When the HANDAU squadrons were reactivated in 2020, the RMAF Ground Defence Force resumed the tradition of wearing the 'HANDAU' shoulder flash.^[9]

RMAF Ground Defence Insignia

The RMAF Ground Defence insignia is a badge worn on the front left pocket of any uniform. The insignia features a crossed tekpi with a triangle in the centre, containing an owl inside the triangle. This design is set against the RMAF Regiment colours and is shaped like a shield with a castle wall design on top.^[9]

RMAF Blue Digital Camouflage Combat Uniform

Two airmen and airwomen are seen wearing the RMAF No.4 Digital Camouflage Combat Uniform, which was introduced around 2016.

The RMAF Ground Defence Force is the only ground-based combat unit that wears the new RMAF blue digital camouflage combat uniform. Other ground-based combat units, such as the RMAF Special Forces and the RMAF Ground Base Air Defence, use green tiger-striped combat uniforms.^[9]

Navy Blue Beret with RMAF Regiment Beret Backing

As part of the RMAF Regiment, members of the RMAF Ground Defence Force don the RMAF's navy blue beret with the red RMAF Regiment beret backing.^[9]

Selection and training

The selection and training for the RMAF Ground Defence Force are open to all ranks within the RMAF. However, officers' responsibilities are limited to administrative roles. For other ranks, airmen or recruits must choose the 'Auxiliary Defence Technician' trade (Malay: Ketukangan Pembantu Tahan) before they can proceed to the RMAF Ground Defence Force pipeline. This pipeline is conducted by instructors from the RMAF Combat Training School.^[10][11]

RMAF Ground Defence Course (4 weeks)

This 4-week course, known as Kursus Pertahanan Darat TUDM in Malay, consists of three modules designed to expose candidates to the full spectrum of tasks they will face upon graduating from the course. The modules are as follows:^[10][6]

Deployment Tasks Module

Known as Modul Penugasan Atur Gerak in Malay, this module trains airmen to become infantrymen. Candidates are trained in infantry skills such as small arms handling and tactics, marksmanship, force down tactics, man-hunting, basic close-quarters combat, and an introduction to urban warfare (OBUA/FIBUA).^[6]

Passive Ground Defence Module

Known as Modul Pertahanan Darat Pasif in Malay, this module teaches candidates how to camouflage large-scale facilities, such as air bases or radar installations, from aerial detection.^[10]

Active Ground Defence Module

Known as Modul Pertahanan Darat Aktif in Malay, this module trains candidates to create a ground defence area that can be patrolled, cleared of obstacles and cover, protected with detection systems, and guarded by defence forces. Essentially, candidates learn how to fortify and guard military facilities.^[10]

Graduation

At the end of the RMAF Ground Defence Course, graduates are awarded the RMAF Ground Defence Insignia by senior officers in a simple graduation ceremony.^[10][6]

Lineage

1980	1993 Separated	2020 CAP 55
RMAF Air and Ground Defence Force	RMAF Provost	RMAF Ground Defence Force
		RMAF Provost
	RMAF Special Air Service	RMAF Special Forces[note 3]

Notes

1. 'HANDAU' abbreviated from Pasukan PertaHAN DArat dan Udara
2. Fly-away security is a tactical technique used by elite units within the U.S. Air Force Security Forces. It involves a team of armed airmen deploying from an aircraft to establish security, then returning to the aircraft once the operation is completed. This technique is similar to air assault, which involves inserting military units into a conflict area.
3. In 2002, this unit underwent a name change from Pasukan Khas Udara, or Special Air Service in English, to Pasukan Khas TUDM, abbreviated as PASKAU, or RMAF Special Forces in English.